Orange County is home to a number of innovative startups that are shaking up the established advertising industry. During this program we will discuss these hot topics in digital advertising.

• Maximizing your advertising investments in a tight economy:  why endorsements make sense

• How are endorsements helping advertisers get big boosts in ad performance and increase their brand impact?

• How are companies, of any size and in any online or offline medium, that depend on ad sales revenue using effective solutions like endorsement and targeting?

• How have sports endorsements captured the affinity of consumers online?

• Where do creative advertisers and targeted media converge to advertisers’, consumers’ and media’s benefit?

Panelists:

·         Ryan Steelberg – CEO of Brand Affinity Technologies and founder of dMarc Broadcasting (acquired by Google in 2006). In 2002, the Steelbergs founded dMarc Broadcasting, growing to service more than 4,600 US radio stations, bridging and integrating online and broadcast advertising systems. dMarc Broadcasting was acquired by Google, Inc. in February of 2006 for 1.238 Billion in cash and performance incentives.  Prior to dMarc, the Steelberg's co-founded AdForce in 1995, formerly the world's largest centralized, independent ad-serving and management solution, and 2CAN Media (AdSmart), which grew to become the third largest Internet advertising sales organization. 2CAN was sold to CMGi in 1999 for over $50 million. Ryan Steelberg brings more than 15 years of executive management experience in technology, marketing, business development and sales.  Ryan is considered one of the foremost experts in digital and online advertising. Since 1996, Ryan, and his co-founder Chad, have raised more than $150 million in equity financing, managed 400+ employees and created in excess of $3.0 billion in shareholder value, through the successful founding, management, and liquidation of three industry impactful companies.

·         David Jakubowski – President of Specific Media and former General Manager of Microsoft Ad Center.

·         Mike Hodges – VP Interactive Sales for Freedom Communications (Publisher of OC Register, Colorado Springs Gazette and dozens of other local media properties). Mike Hodges most recently served as director of real estate advertising for the Orange County Register. Prior to joining Freedom, Hodges served as owner and chief executive officer for TheRealtyCorporation.com, a Denver based real estate agency and mortgage brokerage which focused on lead generation through internet marketing. Previously, Hodges served as national director of sales for DoubleClick, Inc. Hodges’ experience also includes various roles in online media, email and database marketing and advertising sales for Equifax, Chosen Media and RipTube.com.Hodges holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego.

·         Scott Christensen – LED Group, CBS Outdoor

Moderator:

-     Carey Ransom – Carey is a digital advertising industry expert. He has founded, worked in or consulted for several companies in this space including Rent.com/eBay, Truverse, WebVisible, BAT and others.